KLAMATH NATIONAL FOREST
Written: Jul 03 '04 (Updated Jul 07 '04)
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Pros: The outdoorsmans paradise!
Cons: Most places are very remote. The county itself is very remote.
The Bottom Line: The Klamath National Forest has something for everyone.
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| mcmaster's Full Review: Klamath National Forest |
KLAMATH NATIONAL FOREST
Located in Siskiyou County, California. Siskiyou County is one of three counties that border Oregon. The Klamath National Forest is approximately one million acres with a little bit of everything and a lot of some things. I was born and raised right here in the middle of the Klamath National Forest in a very small town nestled on the Klamath River. I learned how to swim, hunt, track, trap, fish, climb, drive and log to make a living, right here in the KNF. I have seen the forest from one end to the other so I believe I can share some of the things you can see and do here.
The KNF has over 200 miles of wild and scenic rivers The main river located here is the Klamath River. There are several other smaller rivers as well, such as; the Shasta, Russian, Salmon and Scott River. The creeks are too many to list, there are thousands. Some of the creeks in the KNF are small rivers. During the salmon run they will go miles and miles up these tributaries. Some of the better known creeks are Beaver creek, Cottonwood creek, Martins Dairy, Bogus Creek, Coffee Creek, Elk Creek, Shovel Creek and Cherry creek. The things you can do on these rivers and creeks are fish, hike, hunt, photograph, raft, tube and gold dredge.
Planning A Trip To Klamath National Forest
For the general hikers, campers and fisherman you should stop by the Klamath National Forest Headquarters located in Yreka at 1312 Fairlane Road and get a map. Also ask about any restrictions, campfire permits or recent forest fires. The town of Yreka is also a good place to stay if you do not intend to camp out. Yreka is within an hour driving to all five ranger districts (listed below). Also make sure you have the proper hunting, fishing or dredging licenses. There are several decent places to stay in Yreka. I would recommend the AmeriHost Inn. Furthermore if you are not camping and choose to see the sights driving from town make sure to bring plenty of food, water first-aid supplies and a cell phone. Most of the sights are very remote so be prepared.
On the other hand if you are camping I would suggest Beaver Creek on the Klamath River. This place is beautiful. There are several camp grounds along Beaver Creek. I have always been able to find a camping spot. There are no fees. Beaver Creek would be for someone who fishes, hikes, enjoys wildlife and naturists.
Located in the Happy Camp Ranger District. Approximately one hour drive, south down highway 96 off of Interstate 5. Another similar place is Martins Dairy located in the Goosenest District. You can find all of the camp grounds once you get your map.
If hunting and fishing are what blows your hair back you’d be very busy around here. There is hunting and fishing in all five districts. I’d advise getting a guide if you want to hunt here. Getting someone to show you around would be very hard. Would you show people you hunting and fishing spots? “Yeah, head right over Secret Ridge and you’ll find Notell creek, great fishin there”. If you are interested in some serious hunting or fishing trips there are guides. There are a hundred guides around here. I’d recommend Ron Denardi or the McBrooms. They have been around here a long time and always manage to catch some fish.
Fishing, Packing & Hunting Guides
Bob Bearding, 530-469-3307
Bryan & Sherman Packing, Mike Bryan - 530-467-3261;
Bink Sherman - 530-459-5417
Klamath River Outfitters, 3 Sandy Bar Road, Somes Bar, CA 95568, 800- RIVER-35, 530-469-3349
Marble Mountains Ranch, 92520 Highway 96, Somes Bar, CA 95568, 800-KLAMATH. 530-552-6284
McBroom & Co Packers and Guides Star Rt. 4, Box 345, Etna 462-4617
Ron DeNardi Outfitting, 530-475-FISH
Seiad Valley Guide Service, Wally and Jennifer Johnson, PO Box 676, Seiad Valley, CA, 530-496-3291
S and E Outfitters PO Box 475, Ft. Jones Ken Smith at 468-2270 or Duane Eastlick at 530-468-2457
Sugar Creek Ranch, PO Box 1531, Callahan, CA 96014, 530-467-52131
Rafting Outfitters
White Water Rafting 1 800 231-0769
http://www.rogueklamath.com/guides.htm
Lodging in Yreka
AmeriHost Inn
148 Moonlit Oaks Ave.
Yreka CA 96097
800-434-5800
Things To Do While In The Klamath National Forest
• Backpack: Marble Mountains or Mount Shasta
• Back road: Everywhere, in all five districts
• Fishing: Some of the best high mountain lake trout fishing is in and around the KNF.
• Hunting: water foul, Quail, Grouse, deer, wild boar, bear…
• Mountain Lakes: There are some of the most pristine mountain lakes in the county right in the KNF.
• Salmon Fish: Fish for Salmon in the Klamath River from September to December.
• Raft: White water raft on one of several white water rivers.
• Camp: There are roughly 50 public camp grounds located throughout the KNF.
• Hike: see Pacific Crest Trail / Also hike the Marble Mountains or Mount Shasta.
• Rock Climbing: There are several near vertical climbs in the KNF.
• Mountaineering: North Face of Mount Shasta
• Gold Prospecting: There is gold in most of the streams in the KNF. Many people dredge for gold in the summer months.
The Five Districts In The Klamath National Forest
Goosenest Ranger District- The Goosenest Ranger District represents the north-east portion of the Klamath National Forest
Happy Camp Ranger District- The Happy Camp Ranger District represents the north-central portion of the Klamath National Forest and includes portions of the Siskiyou and Marble Mountain Wildernesses.
Salmon River Ranger District- Representing the southwest corner of the Klamath National Forest
Scott River Ranger District- Located centrally within the Klamath National Forest
Ukonom Ranger District- Located on the west-central edge of the Klamath National Forest
Wilderness Areas
• MARBLE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
• RUSSIAN WILDERNESS
• SISKIYOU WILDERNESS
• TRINITY WILDERNESS
Climate: The climate varies from -20 degrees to 110 degrees. The average temperature in the Summer which is the best time to visit is 85 degrees.
Location: Located at the northern hilt of California in Siskiyou County. Interstate 5 runs right through the center of the Klamath National Forest. I would recommend getting a updated map before you head out into the countryside. It’s very easy to get lost.
Final Thoughts
Over the years I have worked and lived in many National and Private forests. The Klamath National Forest is without question, one of the best. It offers something for everyone. Not to many places can offer such large forests or the things you can do when compared to KNF. I would recommend Klamath National Forest to any outdoorsman. If you see nothing else in the The Klamath National Forest I would recommend the high mountain lakes. These lakes are located in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. These lakes all have to be hiked in to. They are beautiful, crystal clear and cold! Come on in boys, the waters fine… Oh, have I mentioned this is Bigfoot country? Be sure to bring your camcorder.
Klamath National Forest
1312 Fairlane Road
Yreka, CA 96097-9549
(530) 842-6131
WEB SITE: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath/
Marble Mountain Wilderness
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath/recreation/wilderness/marbles/index.shtml
Thank for the read,
~Mac
©2004 Joe McMaster
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: June-August
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
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